Rotherham's 10K race to return in 2019

Runners can pencil in Sunday, May 12, as the date when Clifton Park will once again host the 10K race, which attracted 700 entrants this year.

A celebration event was held by organisers last week to hand over a cheque to Age UK Rotherham, which the run was in aid of, and organiser multi-marathon man Ray Matthews (76) thanked supporters.

Representatives from race sponsor Pawson also handed over £2,410 to the charity.

Age UK Rotherham chief executive Lesley Dabell said: “We’re proud to have been part of this inaugural event and have been amazed by the support local people have shown towards it. 

“The drive and determination of Age UK Rotherham Ambassador and local ‘marathon man’ Ray Matthews in making it a reality has been inspirational and just goes to show that age doesn’t have to be a barrier. 

“A lot of people told us how much they’d enjoyed the run and we’re already looking forward to bringing next year’s event to life. 

“It would be fantastic to see it become an annual event in Rotherham and a great opportunity for Rotherham’s running community and fun runners to take part in something right on their doorstep.”

Race organiser and Rotherham Harriers secretary, Steve Gaines, said: “Pawson made the event and the donation to Age UK possible and I hope they will both support it again in 2019.”

Steve said he hoped around 1,000 more runners would join the event next year and help make it sustainable.

“We are planning to run the same course,” he said.

“The feedback from runners was good — they liked the challenge of a few hills and enjoyed the level of support in the residential areas.”

This year’s winner, William Buswell, completed the course in 33 minutes and 11 seconds, with the first female runner, Lyndsey Eastman, of Rawmarsh, finishing in 39 minutes and 45 seconds. 

Enter online via www.rotherham10k.co.uk.